Balancing academic responsibilities and personal interests:

Candidly, the transition was not easy for me initially. Throughout my life, I had been a professional freestyle wrestler since the age of 10, competing at quite a high level in Kazakhstan. Adapting to a new environment was challenging, but the discipline instilled in me through sports helped me stay on top of my studies. This period was also fruitful for my personal life, as I got married during this time, further motivating me to maintain a balance between all aspects of my life. I managed to successfully complete my course and graduate with distinction from my master's degree while continuing to participate in freestyle wrestling. Discipline and a focused approach to studying were paramount; otherwise, failing exams was a risk. Effective time management and prioritization were crucial.

Student life at City University:

During my pre-master's course at Intro City, the student life was quite vibrant. I socialized extensively with students from diverse backgrounds, forging numerous friendships that have endured to this day. While I did not participate in specific activities, I made an effort to engage in the lively social scene after classes whenever possible. My second year, however, was somewhat more subdued due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as my master's degree course was predominantly conducted online, requiring me to study from home. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the overall student life experience and would highly recommend it to anyone considering studying at City University.

Opportunities:

While pursuing my master's degree, I chose to focus my dissertation on the logistics industry. Immediately after completing the course, I began applying for jobs in that field, highlighting in my cover letters that my dissertation had explored logistics in-depth, providing me with valuable knowledge and understanding of the industry's workings. This strategy proved highly beneficial, and within months of graduating, I secured employment in the logistics sector, where I worked for 1.5 years. My advice would be to stay dedicated, put forth your best efforts in job applications, and be prepared for the process to be time-consuming and energy-intensive. It can be stressful, but perseverance is key. Many of my friends applied for jobs within two weeks of finishing their studies, but such haste rarely yields positive results. Choose your dissertation subject wisely, aligning it with the industry you intend to pursue a career in, as this can provide a significant advantage.

Advice for international students:

As you are aware, the London area and the United Kingdom as a whole are home to numerous top-ranking universities. Selecting the right city to reside in is crucial. Notable institutions can be found in Manchester, York, London, and beyond. If you have the opportunity, I strongly recommend traveling and exploring these cities to get a sense of their unique environments. Additionally, most universities offer open days, which provide an excellent chance to visit the campuses and facilities. Since you will be spending 3-4 years of your life in your chosen location, it is essential to make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences.

After determining the city and university that suits you best, concentrate your efforts on selecting the right course of study that aligns with your passions and interests. As your academic journey progresses, you will have the opportunity to further specialize by choosing a dissertation topic and other focused areas of study. Whenever you apply to study in the UK, embrace the experience wholeheartedly, for England and Britain will open doors, introduce you to new friends, and extend a warm welcome.